Catholics Confused by Mass Changes

If you don't recognize the goings-on at church, it's not just because you haven't been there for a while (though that could well be part of it). The words at Catholic Masses indeed have changed.

Much has changed in the past few decades at Catholic churches. First, the proceedings were said in English (or Spanish, Italian, or whatever the parishioners spoke) and not Latin beginning in 1974. That was also when priests faced their congregations rather than speaking Mass with their backs turned, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported.

Since using the English and not Latin Masses, American church-goers have responded to priests' greetings of "The Lord be with you" with “And also with you." However, the new 2012 missals instructed parishioners to say, “And with your spirit" instead, according to the newspaper.

The translations are "more literal," according to liturgical scholars, who say that the original English translations of the Latin Mass missed some meanings. To that end, most of the Creed, the central profession of faith, now starts with “I believe in one God” instead of “We believe in one God,” Jesus is now “consubstantial with the Father” rather than “one in being with the Father.” Communion begins with the words, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof” instead of “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,” the newspaper reported.